Page 44 of Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U)
I smile and take it from her. “I wouldn’t dream of that.”
But one thing is sure: Wren isn’t safe on her own. Clearly. I’ve already planned exactly what I need to do. I’ve already contacted my advisor and asked to switch into her Personal Finance class.Easy. Same professor, same work, different time of day. Because if there are assholes harassing her in my class, there will definitely be some in hers.
Just thinking of that angers me.
I got her full schedule, too. She’s taking crazy-as-fuck science and math classes that made my head spin just reading the names. Iwasgoing to see about transferring in, but fuck that. But I can be in the same hallway when her class gets out…and happen to be walking in the same direction of her next class.
If she were to ask—which she won’t. Because I’m stealth incarnate.
“You look like you’re plotting something.”
Okay, maybe not.
I eye her. “Aren’t you tired?”
“Exhausted.”
Hersmile. Her sad, tired smile nearly does something to me.
My dick has a not-so-subtle reaction. I cover my groin with the water bottle before she can notice its rise.
Guess I’m not drinking that.
“So…” I shift. “You’re tired, but you won’t go to bed.”
She nods slowly. “And you’re tired, but you sleep out here.”
I scoff. “I get plenty of rest. I can sleep anywhere.”
“Stone.”
“Sticks.”
Her elbow drives into my side, fast and hard. “Don’t call me that.”
“Well, I like it,Sticks.”
She jumps to her feet. “Why can’t you just—”
“Why do you take it so personally? It’s not a bad nickname. Sit back down, Wren.”
I tug her hand, insistent that she actuallysit. Because I don’t want this to be over. Our weird, middle-of-the-night temporary truce. But when I do, she comes almost too easily.
And she lands on my lap.
We stare at each other for a beat, both surprised at the position we find ourselves in. I mean, in what world would Wren Davis ever actually touch me?
But she doesn’t move, isn’t trying to scramble off of me, and it’s messing with my head. Especially with the way she’s glaring at me like she wants to claw my eyes out.
I should not be attracted to her. I should not be attracted to her. I should not—
“You really fucked me up by kissing me.” Her eyes narrow. “So this is just me repaying the favor.”
I’m shocked into stillness when Wren kisses me. I can’t even reciprocate. I’m just… She just…
My brain clicks together almost as soon as Wren gives up. She pulls away.
I don’t let her get that far. I slide my hand around the back of her neck and draw her forward, crushing her lips to mine. It spirals into a mad frenzy. She’s grabbing at my clothes, my hair. I bite her lip and taste blood in my mouth, and she whimpers. Not in a way reminiscent of her nightmares, but of pleasure.